Scribes honored for reporting on taxation

By Vision Reporter

Journalists covering tax related issues have been advised to report accurately and objectively. The call was made by Peter Kamalingin the country director Oxfam International Uganda during the inaugural Southern and Eastern Africa Trade Information and Negotiation Institute (SEATINI) Journalism Awards.

The awards held at Hotel Africana Thursday were to recognize journalists who have contributed to promotion of taxation as a tool for development.

New Vision scribe Patrick Jaramogi scooped the best award under the print category. Others who were awarded with plaques and certificates were Ismail Musa Ladu from Daily Monitor, Joseph Olanyo and Edward Ssekika (Observer), Lydia Nabakoza (NBS TV) and Hamzat Batibwe Senoga the CBS talk show host who emerged best under the radio category.

Kamalingin said the media is instrumental in providing information that shapes opinions and generates debate on policy issues that affect citizens.

“The media is a major force in improving the quality of government through promoting democratic governance and accountability ,” he said.

Peter Okubal from Panos Eastern Africa, the firm that evaluated the entries said the media should play a vital role regarding paying of taxes by the citizens.

Nelly Busingye the Programme officer SEATINI said the awards that will be annual was geared towards strengthening media participation under the Capacity for Research and Advocacy for Fair Taxation (CRAFT) project.

“Oxfam, SEATINI, and Tax Justice Network Africa invited journalists to participate in the competition by submitting published stories, features and articles on taxation and governance issues,” said Busingye.

The SEATINI Country director Jane Nalunga said Oxfam, SEATINI, and Tax Justice Network Africa with support from the European Union through Democratic Governance and Accountability program (DGAP) honored the six best journalists.

“The awards will be done annually, it is our appeal that next year more journalists take part as they continue to educate the public on the need to pay taxes and demand for accountability,” said Nalunga.